A code of Investments has been established in 1995. No difference is made between foreign and national investors concerning investments. There are two types of incentive systems in Ivory Coast. -The system of declaration applied to all new businesses whatever the level of investment is, as long as they do not carry out their activities in the following sectors: building and civil engineering, trade, transportation, banking and financial services. The investor can be granted tax advantages such as tax exemption on industrial and commercial profits or on non-commercial profits from 5 to 8 years, depending on the region. Different advantages may be granted, such as VAT exemption on equipments, materials and the first lot of spare parts, such as duties and taxes exemptions on equipments, materials and the first lot of spare parts and exemptions from land tax on properties built, the application of a 5% unique and preferential right on equipments. Furthermore, there are also very attractive incentives according to sectors (oil, mining). The CEPICI (Center for Invesment Promotion in Cote d'Ivoire) should be contacted for further information about investment incentives.

Liability of active partners is unlimited. Liability of sleeping partners is limited to the amount contributed.

0.6% of the capital up to CFA 5 billion then 0.2% beyond this amount.

Foreign exchange control
In Ivory Coast, free conversion of currencies is carried out as well as the right to transfer capital and profits.

Regulations concerning equity investment
A majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal in Ivory Coast.

Foreign Direct Investment inflows
in Ivory Coast

FDI inflows

2003

2004

2005

World rank (*)
2005

FDI inflows (USD million)

165

283

192

100/141

Source : UNCTAD - World Investment ReportNote : (*) World Rank = UNCTAD Inward FDI Performance Index. It is a measure of the extend to which a host country receives inward FDI relative to its economic size. It is calculated as a ratio of the country's share in global FDI inflows to its share in global GDP.